ROCKINGHAM — Much of Richmond County is under a tornado watch until 11 p.m. Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued the alert at 8:31 p.m., extending the watch which also includes the following counties: Alamance, Anson, Chatham, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Orange, Person, Randolph and Stanly.
A severe thunderstorm warning is scheduled to expire at 9 p.m.
“A level one of five risk of severe thunderstorms will result ahead of a powerful low pressure system through approximately 10 p.m.,” according to NWS. “Damaging
wind gusts will pose the primary threat, although hail and an isolated tornado will also be possible.
“Additionally, wind gusts between 30 and 40 mph, isolated up to 45 mph, will also continue even away from showers and thunderstorms through tonight.”
Forecasters say similar wind gusts are expected for both Friday and Saturday, with a current 30% chance of scattered showers late Friday.
Strong winds swept through the county Thursday morning, resulting in 35 calls to the 911 center regarding storm damage, according to Emergency Services Deputy Director Travis Wilkerson.
No details were available, however the RO is aware of a tree down across Green Lake Road and one down in the Richmond Park neighborhood. The RO was also sent photos of a tree limb that penetrated the roof of a home.
Three schools in Richmond County LJ Bell Elementary, Rockingham Middle School and Cordova Middle lost power, but the district announced later in the morning that power had been restored.
However, all afterschool activities were canceled because of the weather.
Norton Farms also canceled its Thursday evening food truck and music event because of weather.
